Adrenal-derived factors drive progression of sclerotic prostate cancer in bone

Transcriptomic analysis revealed that ADX downregulated tumor-induced transcripts in bone by over 90%, including osteogenic (Lox, Sparcl1, Bmp2, Postn, Col1a1) and pro-angiogenic (Bmper, Pecam-1, Esam) signatures. Additionally, BMP, PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways were associated with the tumor-induced bone response. Both high serum progesterone and intratumoral levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were associated with the sclerotic bone phenotype.

ADX markedly reduced intratumoral DHT and downregulated glycolytic genes (HK2, PFK2, LDHA) and secretory proteins expressed by the tumor, including Stanniocalcin 2, potentially mediating paracrine effects in the sclerotic bone response. Altogether, these findings highlight the critical role of adrenal- dependent androgen synthesis, particularly via progesterone, in driving the sclerotic CRPC in bone. Our findings suggest that a comprehensive blockade of adrenal contribution is essential to prevent the sclerotic bone response associated with CRPC.